May 2013

Sikorsky
created the HH-52 Seaguard by combining the proven rotor and drive system of
his H-19 helicopter with a seaplane-type fuselage and the new General Electric
T58 turboshaft engine. The fuselage design benefited from Sikorsky’s experience
with conventional seaplanes dating back to the 1920s. The result was a
helicopter more tailored to the Coast Guard’s at-sea rescue mission than before
and clearly superior to the helicopters it replaced in mission performance: the
powerful but light-weight turboshaft engine, significantly increased a helicopter's
payload and speed capability compared to the reciprocating piston engine. Civil
sales of the S-62 preceded use by the Coast Guard.

This amphibious workhorse helicopter served the U.S. Coast
Guard for over 25 years. The aircraft has been credited with saving 15,000
lives and $1.5 billion in property loss and damage while in Coast Guard service
from 1963 to 1989. Ninety-nine HH-52s were based on Coast Guard cutters,
icebreakers, and air stations.

Note:
The S-62 (HH-52) and S-61 (H-3) looked very similar, but the earlier S-61 was
much larger and used two T58 engines.